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WIRRAL LIFE TALK TO
ALETHEA HEATON, FOUNDER OF FANCY FIZZ
Where did you get the idea from to start Fancy Fizz?
It was whilst watching Cheshire Housewives on TV - they had a
Prosecco van at the baby’s Christening. I thought what an amazing
idea - with my love of Prosecco and Prosecco being so popular
now, it was a great business to start. Also, having just had my 40th
birthday, I was looking for a new challenge!
So what happened next?
I started research into where I could buy a Piaggio Ape 50 and a
company that could convert it into a Prosecco van. I found a supplier
in Hull and went to see them. We placed an order in December
2016. The Piaggio was imported from Italy and then converted. I
started designing my logo and how I wanted the Piaggio to look. I
wanted it to be classy and elegant and to suit any occasion. We took
delivery in February 2017.
Prosecco vans seem to be the in thing now?
Yes, they have been around for a year or so and are just starting
to come up north. They have become very popular this year
for weddings and events as everyone loves something that’s a
bit different. We have found that people love the quirky and fun
addition to their event. We are excited and delighted to be the first
one on the Wirral.
Have you had much help so far?
I’ve been so lucky with friends and family- they have all been
really encouraging and supported me with things from website
development to towing a vehicle! My husband and mum have been
amazing and really supportive.
What’s your market area?
Any celebration where people want Prosecco! I love the wedding
industry and so far that market has been great for us. Fancy
Fizz is perfect for any event from corporate events to birthdays,
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christenings, festivals, garden parties... the list is endless really. We
love a good party and interacting with everyone at the events. It’s a
real social business.
It’s not easy setting up a business from scratch is it?
No! It’s been challenging, and certainly harder than I thought. It’s not
just serving Prosecco from a bottle! We are serving from pumps, we
have had the latest cooling system fitted to serve chilled Prosecco.
We have to brand our Prosecco as Frizzante due to Italian law with it
being served from a keg and not a bottle. I have also completed and
passed an alcohol licence course which was very interesting.
What events have you done so far?
We have exhibited at Thornton Manor wedding fair and have now
become a recommended supplier of theirs. We were at the Parkgate
Fest in June which was great fun. The feedback about Fancy Fizz was
great and everyone just loves the concept of it! We have 3 wedding
fairs booked over the next few months - the first is at the Echo arena
followed by Leasowe castle and then at Maritime Museum.
What local support have you had?
I’ve been to Whitfield Business Hub about the social media side of
the business and Justine and Nik were great people to talk to, they
have lots of ideas too of how we can grow Fancy Fizz. We actually
took Fancy Fizz to their work event at the Hub and the Prosecco
went down very well!
How do see a Fancy Fizz going forward?
A fleet of Fancy Fizz’s would be great! As long as we can keep serving
Prosecco and helping people celebrate their event in a unique and
fun way which is what we love to do.
To find out more about Fancy Fizz, please visit: www.fancyfizz.uk